Cool Uncle Alert

Baby Charlie has a cool uncle. Fact! How do I know this? Well because he purchased a gift voucher for Charlie’ parents at Christmas for a Newborn photo shoot at my home studio 🙂

Low Expectations

Typically to get those swaddled, squishy baby pictures that a lot of parents want the baby needs to be about two weeks or under. I like to describe it as before they start to unfurl! Charlie was 10 weeks new when he came into the studio. During the pre-shoot consultation, his parents said they didn’t want wrapped or prop styled pictures. In fact, Charlie’s mum said, “we’ll be happy if we get one nice family one and one of Charlie’s smile”.

Challenge accepted!

When two become a family

Not only did I get more than one lovely family shoot, as well as pictures of mum and dad individually with Charlie. I also managed to get some of this cheeky chaps cool expressions. What a little dude!

Smile!

Capturing this baby boy smiling wasn’t an issue because after he’d had some milk and a nappy change he was all smiles.

Nailed it!

A proper Charlie

Being 10 weeks old baby Charlie had a whole range of facial expressions that he was happy to share with us. I just loved this one 🙂

As usual, the two-hour session went by in a flash and after some snuggles, with his photographer, baby Charlie left the studio.

In other news…I’m an Auntie again 🙂

On the 22nd of January, my newest little nephew was born. At 8:55 pm, weighing in at a whopping 9lb 6oz baby Teddy entered the world.

Due to work commitments, it took two weeks before I could get to see him. TWO WHOLE WEEKS people! Finally, I packed as much of my studio as I could fit in my car and made the 320-mile trek down South to get my snuggle on!

He is my brother’s third son and he wanted a picture of all the boys together. Okay, I thought what are my options here? I swaddled Teddy nice and snug, but who to hold him? As my eldest nephew (12) is on the autism spectrum I thought it might be easier if they all lay on the floor and for my middle nephew (2) to have Teddy resting on him. But no, my usually easy going middle nephew was obviously still reeling from no longer being the baby of the family and definitely DID NOT want to hold the new baby!

You definitely have to be aware of all the family dynamics when posing siblings. My eldest nephew surprised us all by being willing to hold the baby but I knew I had one take and that was it.

Lucky for me I got an image my brother and sister in law were happy with. Phew! Straight after that take middle nephew jumped up and was out of there!

Teddy by name

As soon as my brother told me my new nephew’s name I knew I had to use my teddy bear bonnet on him.

I know I’m biased, but have you ever seen a cuter Teddy? I don’t think so.

The eagle-eyed amongst you may notice a new logo on this image. The Digitally Altered logo is a safety initiative created for Photographers (specifically Newborn Photographers) to easily mark and identify images that have been digitally enhanced, altered, combined or stitched together in post-production to create imagery that would otherwise be unsafe to reproduce straight out of camera. If someone clicks on it they will get the following info.

“If you have been directed to this page by another photographer or you have seen this logo displayed on another artist work, it means that the image you have seen has been created by combining 2 or more images together digitally to ensure baby’s safety. The Photographer wants you to know that this image was created safely and that no baby was put into a dangerous position during the creation process. They also want to ensure that for those wanting to recreate a similar image or style, to not do so without further investigation into how to do it safely. “

I think this is a great initiative and I will be using it going forward on any image I manipulate to allow newcomers to the industry, parents and creators alike to understand that the image/s they are viewing requires further investigation into its creation process before trying to replicate it on a real baby.

In December I ran a competition across my Instagram and Facebook pages to win a free photo shoot in my newly expanded studio. All people had to do was like or follow me and say what kind of shoot they wanted.

It’s fair to say I got a lot of entries across both platforms and the shoots people wanted ranged from newborn to family, headshots to pets. I took out all the family members that entered (sorry mum 😉 ) and assigned each entry a number based on when they submitted. Then using a random number generator I found on the internet I picked the entry that corresponded with that number.

It was Jennifer and she wanted some nice photos of her son who was two and his new 4-month-old sister. As well as some pictures of them all as a family. She was delighted when I told her she’d won the prize worth £120 🙂

She ain’t heavy she’s my sister

Not only was this two-year-old turning into a very handsome chap indeed. He was also very well behaved – he only needed one bribe for doughnuts. (to be fair I would do anything for doughnuts as well, just saying). Despite making sure mum and dad were close by, just out of camera, he was very careful with his baby sister.

As for the baby sister…Look at that hair, those eyes, that dimple!! As you can tell I was totally smitten. She was such a good-natured little girl as well. No tears or tantrums here!

I’ll look out for you

This big brother loves his little sister. I think as she gets older she is going to have him wrapped around her cute little fingers.

The best gift our parents gave us was each other.

Sometimes you gotta race cars

With up to an hour in the studio, you get to mess around with different backdrops and props. It’s important to get shots of each child individually as well and find ways to let their personality shine through. My little red racing car was just the thing for this young man ( I think dad was secretly a little jealous).

Time for my close up

Meanwhile, this little cutie was perfectly content to sit in the chair and pout and pose for us.

All too soon the session was over and it was time for me to pack the toys away and start acting like an adult again (booo).

The family went off for doughnuts (not at all jealous!) and I couldn’t wait to get started on editing and delivering back their digital gallery.

The sprinkles on the doughnut

Sorry, but that’s all I can think about now…..

The best bit was getting such a lovely review back from my winners.

Fab photos done with our little ones! Jenny was great and made us all feel comfortable so she got the best pics possible of the kids! Will definitely be back for more photos in the future!

Christmas comes early to the JB Moments Photography Studio. The middle of November to be precise. This is to ensure that any families wanting to make Christmas Cards from their session can do so in plenty of time to get them printed.

Sleighed it

The antique sleigh from last year made a comeback but this year in the editing I worked out how to add moving snow. I know, right!

Couch Potato

This year I took advantage of the bigger studio and added a ‘cuddle on the couch’ set up. Complete with Christmas throws and ‘The Night before Christmas’ book.

Is your little featured?

I had so much fun I’ve created a video of some of the sessions. Take a look and see if your little one is featured.

I love taking pictures of kids. My husband says it’s because I’m on their level…I’m going to take that as a compliment because I thoroughly enjoy acting silly, having a jolly good time and getting paid for it!

Always wanted to try my hand at School Photo Shoots. So when Kincardine Toddler Group got in touch for their annual photo shoot I was very keen to make that my first foray into this type of photography.

You see in my studio I get at least half an hour at a mini session or an hour or so at a full session to establish a rapport with the child. That is plenty of time to get their trust and for them to relax so we get some good pictures. My schedule at the toddler group was 34 sets of toddlers and their siblings in 10-minute slots. Could I get them to relax in front of the camera in such a short amount of time? Would I still give the kids at the end of the day the same level of energy as those at the beginning? When would I get a toilet break?…

Thank goodness for a big boot

The Mini Clubman (aka the works van) was full to bursting. Backdrop paper, studio lights, reflectors, stands and camera gear were all in there. But that wasn’t what raised strange looks from the caretaker when I pitched up at the community centre the toddler group is run from. It was when I pulled out my extendable feather duster, foam sports hand, rubber chicken and giggle bag!!! All very important arsenal for encouraging smiles and laughter from toddlers.

The results

Some of the parents have very kindly given me permission to share some of the pictures of their little ones.

Too cute!Be still my heartSuch a fashion-forward bunch!Brotherly loveCan’t wait to see Fern in the studio next year for her first birthday cake smash!That smile!

Even when my backdrop was more interesting than the camera it made for a cute picture.

Wreck it Rorie!Butter wouldn’t melt!!

Judging by the number of orders, social media shares and smiles on the kid’s faces I’d say it went well. I learnt loads and before I do another one I need to update the postage and delivery admin side of things. All handy stuff that is easy to fix.

As for me, I loved every second and the toddlers fed my energy and made sure I gave the last kids (four brothers) as much fun as the first one. One mum, in particular, an angel by the name of Naike, made me a cup of tea that I will be eternally grateful for. And you’ll be pleased to know I managed two toilet breaks 😉

“Marriage is a relationship in which one is always right and the other is the husband!”

Margaret and Don Murray have been married for forty years. To celebrate they wanted a family photo shoot with their nearest and dearest. Their two sons, one partner, two grandkids and the most important members of their family. Bailey and Tia their Labradoodles.

Bert and Ernie Approved

Those of you that know me know I am besotted by my two Frenchies, Bert and Ernie. I also happen to think they are an excellent judge of character. We first met Don out walking Bailey and Tia and the dogs all loved each other. Not only that, Bert and Ernie took a shine to Don as well. Definite seal of approval in my eyes! And of course, they were right as the rest of the family turned out to be lovely as well.

What’s the Secret?

I can’t have a couple that has been married for 40 years in the studio and not ask them what the secret to wedded bliss is? The answer from Don was “do what you’re told!”. I have advised Mr JB of this handy tip immediately 🙂

It’s a Family Affair

The family had great banter and you could tell they were all very close-knit. The session was great fun and Margaret told me at the end she had been dreading the session but actually enjoyed it. That’s music to my ears and the reason I do this job.

Favourites

Beautiful Lois and child modelling superstar Blair are clearly much-loved grandkids and I could see why. Brilliantly behaved with the perfect amount of cheek, these two needed the least amount of direction from me.

But…

Everyone was in agreement that Margaret and Don’s absolute favey faves are their fur babies Bailey and Tia. The best bit – because they are so darn cute nobody seemed to mind.

Bailey

Woof!

Bailey arrived on the scene first and was named after a well-known drink because of his creamy colour. He was the couples first Labradoodle and they were soon totally smitten. So much so that they felt he needed a wee sister.

Tia

Did someone say Sausages?

Sticking with the alcohol theme along came Tia. I had the pleasure of meeting her as a pup during our walks and she is a total cutie.

So there you have it. Families take many forms and all of them should be celebrated. This was such a fun shoot to do. Reason number 634 why I love my job 🙂

Ever since Samantha gave birth to gorgeous Thea 15 months ago her own Mum has been desperate to get a photo of the three of them. Unable to get a good one by themselves they booked me to capture their three generations of women for them.

I am always really honoured when I get to capture these types of moments as it will be amazing for Thea to look back when she is older at her heritage.

Baby Blues

Thea certainly kept us all on our toes but was easily bribed with Cheerios :-). She had the most amazing blue eyes that mum had emphasised with her pretty blue and white floral dress.

Who run the world (girls)

Any excuse to quote Beyonce (am I right?)

But with this amazing Mum and doting Gran I think Thea will go on to do anything she wants in life – maybe even run the world.

Baby Hugo

Who can forget gorgeous baby Hugo and those immensely kissable cheeks? Well he was in for the second of his Grow with Me sessions now he is 4 months old (I know, where has that 4 months gone?!).

You think they can’t have grown that much in 4 months! As I used my vintage suitcase prop at his newborn session I thought I would use it again at this stage to chart how much he had actually grown…..WOW!

There wasn’t even any room for Ted this time!

I’m going to use the suitcase at all his sessions as I think it will make a cool montage at the end for his mum and dad. But I don’t think he will be in it for any more sessions!

His next session will be around the 8-month-old stage when he can sit up by himself. Then we round off at around one year old when he can stand by himself (or with a little help). I absolutely love it when parents book a Grow with Me package as it means I get to see these little people grow and develop. It was amazing the range of expressions Hugo has now and how much he recognised his mum’s voice. He still let me snuggle him as well so that was an added bonus 🙂

Coming Soon

The next few weeks in the studio are busy busy busy! I have a pet shoot this weekend and more pets in the coming week for family shoots. Then it will be Christmas Mini session madness! This week I am getting to try something new photographing handmade jewellery for a local college. Watch this space…

Down on the Farm

I make no secret of the fact that I love Halloween and all that comes with it, especially pumpkins! I always watched with envy as American friends on social media shared their grand days out at pumpkin patches picking their own pumpkins. I thought in the UK the only picking I got to do was between which supermarket I could get them from.

Oh My Gourd

Imagine my excitement then when last year I discovered Arnprior Pumpkins. A pumpkin farm in Stirling!!! I wanted to go there immediately and use it as a fantastic photoshoot location. Unfortunately I was too late last year and so I impatiently counted down the days until they were taking bookings this year and bugged the heck out of the owner (Sorry Rebecca!). Until I got a slot during half term week last Friday.

The day started cold but with the most amazing sunrise as I drove over to the farm. Rebecca, Duncan and the family run an amazing experience. As well as many varieties of pumpkins to pick you can also pick potatoes and turnips (if you’re old skool). There is also chainsaw carving, face painting, gourmet food and drink trucks, a kale maze, pop up crafts and quad pods which need to be seen to be believed (check out the video on their page).

And mud – SO MUCH MUD. But even if you don’t come prepared the farm have thought of that and hire out a huge range of wellies. It’s the sort of good, wholesome, clean air, mucky fun that the whole family can enjoy. And for those that wanted some of those moments captured on Friday I was there to do just that 🙂

Please enjoy some of the moments captured in this short video.

Pumpkins sprouting up everywhere

I also had the cutest little pumpkin in the studio last week.

Boo!

Meet 4 and half month old Amber who came in rocking her first Halloween outfit like a total Boss.

Does my bum look big in this?

Look at that hair! And those eyes. What a cutie pumkin pie.

I’m off to carve my pumpkins and make soup and muffins with the innards. I’m already counting the days down until I can get back on the farm again.

The Robertsons were gifted one of my gift vouchers for their Ruby Wedding Anniversary. A family photo shoot with their two grown-up sons, their partners and their super cute two-year-old grandson Lewis.

What’s the secret?

Married almost twenty years myself I was keen to get the inside scoop from these two lovebirds how to double that number! Without any hesitation, they both said, perfectly in sync, “Patience”. I’m gonna need to work on that then!

Their Boys

Before my studio expansion, I wouldn’t have been able to take a mum, dad and two grown up sons image like this. The room was just too small. Now I am able to move around my clients to get the best angle in comfort. As a bonus the rest of the clients not in the image can relax in comfort at the other side of the room.

But wait, there’s more!

If I couldn’t do the last shot I certainly couldn’t fit six adults comfortably in. We had space for more as well. Could’ve had a full on party! Although to be fair this crew were so much fun we were having our own party!

I love seeing the bond between family members and watching how they interact with each other in the studio. This family unit was TIGHT 🙂 There were lots of in-jokes, genuine affection and laughter.

The star of the show

Without a doubt, the star of the session was Master Lewis.

At two years-old he was killing it in the fashion stakes with his checked shirt and cool jeans (I checked I can’t get those monkey knee patches on adult jeans – actually gutted). He was so good during the hour long shoot as well. He only needed the occasional bribe with some white chocolate buttons to keep going. Especially as he was in nearly all the pictures.

The happy couple has already come back and told me that they “Love, love, love” their photos and I am delighted that the family have some cracking memories to look back on. I’m off to work on that patience thing – wish me luck!

Baby Warren at just over three weeks new came and trampled all over my heart with his ten perfect toes. To say I was smitten was an understatement! He took a while to get off to sleep as well so that meant LOADS MORE SNUGGLES FOR ME!!

Rooting for him

When he did doze off after a bottle of the finest white stuff, it was so worth the wait. I had a new tree root prop that I’d been desperate to try. (Yes I know my prop shopping is a serious addiction, but in my defence, it was on sale).

Tree-mendous !!

Bear with me

Whilst slumbering we took advantage and dressed Warren up as the cutest little teddy bear.

Beary cute

Funny shaped balls

Warren’s dad is a professional rugby player and had recently been awarded his 100th cap which mum wanted to incorporate into the shoot. Now I’m not a rugby expert (okay confession time I just watch for the tight shorts), but Mr JB advises me that getting this cap is a HUGE deal.

So I got a rugby ball shaped stress ball that was the perfect baby size and went with a wrap covered in stars to commemorate the achievement and I think it turned out pretty good.

Warren was pretty chilled about the whole thing as you can see 🙂

Nice Try Dad!

I love creating images that look like the baby is being held aloft in dad’s hands. As a baby photographer, safety is my first priority so Warren is actually on a beanbag the whole time and I create the look with some Photoshop magic in post-production.

Three is the magic number

I think a baby photo session is more than getting some cute images of your new bundle of joy whilst they are still teeny weeny. I like to think I’m capturing the moment that your unconditional love takes on real, tangible meaning. The moment you fully transition from being in love to being a family.

At six days new, baby Zander was the last client in my bijou studio before the big expansion. And what a client he was. *swoon*

Seven pounds seven ounces of heaven

Zander arrived fast asleep and as I undressed him and swaddled him up he made a couple of cute sighs but didn’t break his slumber. I was so busy swooning over his cheeks and button nose I almost forgot I was supposed to be taking the pictures!

Teddy boy

In fact, he was so sleepy I was able to get the above pose that I don’t always get to do (please note this is a composite image and mum was supporting Zander the whole time).

Living in a box

Time for a change of scenery and chance for me to try out a new box. I had procured it with babies in mind (yes I am a nightmare to go shopping with!). Zander slept through it all.

Even when I unwrapped him a bit and played dress up some more. Have I mentioned how much I LOVE my job 🙂

Feeding Time

After a quick refuel my little guy (at this point I’d decided I was keeping him, I just had to work out how to let his parents know!), quickly settled back to sleep.

We breezed through his family photos and individual pictures with mum and dad. As Zander stayed sleepy even after I took his swaddle off I decided to shoot for a few more creative images like the one at the top of the page.

Just hanging around…

Obviously Zander isn’t hanging he is lying safely on a bean bag happy in the land of nod but it makes for a cracking picture.

Then all too soon it was time to dress Zander back in the clothes he came in. I reluctantly hand him back to his parents who unfortunately for me had grown quite attached to him and wanted to keep him.